Supply Chain Ethics and UK Manufacturers

The cost of many products in the UK is currently very low from food to clothing UK consumers despite hard economic pressures have it good.

While UK manufacturers are tough on price where they are no so though is on auditing their supply chains for child or slave labour. Recent research has shown only half of UK manufactures have audited their first tier suppliers while fewer than 38% had audited second tier suppliers.

Although many manufacturers felt confident in the ethics of their first tier suppliers most could not be so confident on the second tier networks.

Why Ethics Matter

Not having a grip on your supply chain can lead to huge problems take for example the very recent Horse Meat scandal.

When UK consumers found out that horse meat was being passed off as beef in processed food products many were horrified. A number of products had to be withdrawn and a huge number tested for possible contamination. Retailers had to go to great lengths to reassure the public and even after all their efforts shoppers were still worried and as a result have changed their habits with a surge in fresh meat purchases over processed meat.

Ethics in Purchasing Decisions

None of us would want to be seen as support child or slave labour and manufacturers do need to be a lot more proactive in auditing their suppliers.

As the economy picks up in the UK consumers can afford to become more choosey and as a result ethics can play a much bigger part in purchasing decisions.

Sainsbury’s has been quick to pick-up on this with ad marketing targeting consumer ethics, while still being keen on price.

Expert Supply Chain Advice

If you are a busy manufacturer than you want to focus you time on your business and here is where an experience supply chain consultant can really be a sound investment. By getting an experienced and independent consultant to review of your supply chain you can not only be confident in its ethics, but also develop ways to improve your supply chain and cut costs. All while not being distracted from the day to day running or your business.

Total Logistics has a proven track record in logistics and supply chain improvement working with a number of top brands all over the world. Their clients typically see savings range between 10% - 20% and on average see a pay back in of the consultancy costs in the first 3 months.

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